Elon plans new admissions building

ELON — Elon University plans to construct a 32,000 square foot admissions building with construction tentatively proposed to begin in 2013-14.

University officials said the planned Inman Admissions Welcome Center will consolidate all campus visits, admissions and financial planning staff from three buildings on campus into one central location. The building will anchor a new quadrangle directly north of Belk Library that creates more green space on Elon’s main campus.

The building will be constructed on North O’Kelly Avenue next to the Moseley Center. It will be named in honor of William J. “Bill” and Patricia “Pat” Inman who made the lead gift toward construction of the new building. The gift from the Inmans has launched the university’s efforts this month to raise $4 million in private gifts for the project.

“As an Elon parent, it’s amazing to see what the university has accomplished and how it’s grown,” said Bill Inman, who joined Elon’s Board of Trustees in September 2005. “We are just grateful to be a part of that progress.”

The building was designed by Robert A. M. Stern Architects of New York, and incorporates a cupola and brick arches to mimic existing buildings on campus such as Alamance and Lindner Hall.

Building features include a two-story lobby and atrium, conference and interview rooms, two presentation theaters, staff offices and an outdoor terrace. The additional space will accommodate Elon’s growing applicant pool, which has more than tripled since 1992-93 to reach roughly 10,200 first-year student applications in 2012-13. It will also provide a welcoming space for more than 11,500 visitors who complete a campus tour each year, campus officials said.

“We are grateful to Bill and Pat for once again stepping forward to support a key university priority," Elon University President Leo Lambert said. “The Inman Admissions Welcome Center will be a critical part of our recruiting efforts and provide a wonderful facility to greet tens of thousands of visitors to campus each year. This is another example of how trustee leadership and generosity are key to achieving the goals of the Elon Commitment strategic plan."

Dan Anderson, Elon University vice president of university communications, said Thursday the project’s total cost is undetermined since it hasn’t gone out to bid yet. Anderson also said the construction project would likely begin in 2013-14 but a start time has not been scheduled.

“The Inman Admissions Welcome Center will be the front door of Elon, and provide ample space for undergraduate and graduate admissions to highlight the university’s outstanding programs,” said Greg Zaiser, vice president of admissions and financial planning. “The campus visit program is paramount in Elon’s recruitment initiatives, and this beautiful and functional new building will transform the experience for all visitors to the university.”